“Never before had there been a king like Josiah, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and soul and strength, obeying all the laws of Moses. And there has never been a king like him since.”
2 Kings 23:25
Josiah was eight years old when he became king and reigned in Jerusalem for thirty-one years. One day, he sends his court secretary on an errand, and his life gets radically flipped upside down. What should have been a simple task on an ordinary day, quickly ended in despair for Josiah.
The high priest discovers the Book of Law in the Lord’s temple. When Josiah hears what is in the book, he tears his clothes in despair. Rather than remaining in a state of upheaval, he instead set to work to correct all the wrongs that had been done.
2 Kings 22:19 reads “You were sorry and humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I said against this city and its people—that this land would be cursed and become desolate. You tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance. And I have indeed heard you, says the Lord.”
There is a prayer and a cry that will always get the attention of God, and that is the one of a repentant heart. Josiah is written in the word of God as a man with a heart who understood his need for the grace and mercy of God. His humble repentance changed the course of history. Repentance not only changes and affects us, but it changes and affects those around us.
When you repent, God hears you. God loves a heart that is humble and obedient.
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